Travel Counsellors announces recordbreaking business owner boom

SINCE JANUARY 2023, Travel Counsellors has recruited more new business owners than during the entirety of 2022, delivering a 25% increase year-on-year.

On top of the impressive recruitment boom, since the new financial year (beginning November 2022), over 200 business owners have joined the platform, with a third returning to the travel industry after the pandemic.

Matt Harding, general manager at Travel Counsellors, said: “It’s brilliant to see the record number of new Travel Counsellors we have joining the community as travel continues to boom.

“We have a very scalable business model and to continue to achieve our record growth we need to ensure we are recruiting the highest calibre talent for both leisure and business travel who share our core values and culture.” www.travelcounsellors.co.uk

Etihad Airways bolsters US programme with Boston service

BOSTON MARKS Etihad Airways’ fourth destination in the US, joining Chicago, New York and Washington.

Etihad Airways has announced the Boston service will commence from March 31st, 2024, further solidifying the connection between North America and Abu Dhabi. The service will operate four times per week, utilising the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “We are delighted to introduce flights to Boston, which opens up Abu Dhabi to visitors. We eagerly await welcoming guests to our extraordinary home as well as offering them access to our growing global network.” www.etihad.com www.hoppa.com

Agents can build multiple touchpoints for customers to purchase ground transport addons, find out details on availability and the full scope of available services, access easy-to-use service channels, and find technology product documentation and resources.

EUROPEAN RIVER cruise specialist Viva Cruises has been confirmed as a River Cruise Operator member of CLIA.

In joining CLIA, agents will enjoy wider visibility from VIVA across the network’s platforms, including pdocasts, online resources and flagship events.

Since being established in 2018, VIVA has expanded to an eightship fleet with one on the horizon. www.cruising.org

Walk your way to a Vietnam trip with Intrepid fundraiser

AS PART of its annual charity event, Intrepid Travel is giving away five trips to Vietnam to the top fundraisers.

Taking place on September 10th, the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk will raise funds for the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, bringing together more than 300 people across 15 countries to support the cause.

AMERICAN QUEEN is offering Love2Shop vouchers for any agents who register for its newly launched online training academy. By registering, agents will be awarded with A £10 voucher, £20 once they have successfully completed the course, and an extra £50 if they make a booking by September 30th – totalling £80 worth of vouchers all together.

Virgin Hotels Collection forms global sales team

This year, for the first time, the top two individual fundraisers and top three team fundraisers will win a spot on Intrepid’s 10-day Vietnam Express Southbound itinerary.

Vietnam is a key market for the operator, carrying close to 4,000 customers in 2022.

Intrepid Foundation general manager, Biheng Zhang, said: “A hugely popular international destination for Intrepid at large, Vietnamese communities have always welcomed us with open hearts and generous hospitality. Participating in or sponsoring the marathon walk is our chance as an industry and as travellers to give back.” www.intrepidtravel.com

The company is inviting trade partners to gather their teams, sign up for either a mini, half or full marathon on Intrepid’s fundraiser page, and join the good cause.

VIRGIN HOTELS Collection has announced the formation of a global sales team to continue carrying the brand’s legacy worldwide and to enhance its commitment to its trade partners.

Executives from both Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition have been brought together to combine their breadth of brand experience with an integrated sales team to drive strategic growth across the globe.

Polar Routes breaks records

Chief marketing officer Doug Carrillo said:

“The global sales team is filled with a dynamic ensemble of proven leaders who exemplify Virgin’s commitment to transforming the luxury lifestyle and ultra-luxury hotel industries for the better. I am confident they will continue to bring new ideas to the table and play pivotal roles in the brand’s ongoing success and expansion.” www.virginhotelscollection.com

THE BRITISH polar expedition cruise specialist has reason to celebrate this month as July 2023 was revealed as the biggest sales month in the company’s seven-year history. The cruise line saw a 110% year-on-year increase in sales between July 2022 and 2023, with enquiries increasing by 181%.

“July and August are usually quiet months for interest in and bookings to the polar regions, but the autumnal weather in wash-out July has turned out to be a record-breaker for us,” said Martin Johnson, director and cofounder of Polar Routes. www.polarroutes.co.uk

Thornybush launches Africology Spa Centre

The Game Lodge has launched the Africology Spa & Wellness Centre, where visitors will be offered a Wellness Experience that focuses on healthy living alongside once-ina-lifetime wildlife encounters. Visitors will also be offered the chance to take part in Thornybush’s exclusive wellness safari. www.thornybush.com

● RIVIERA TRAVEL is giving away Amazon vouchers worth £150 every week this month. The prize goes to the trade partner with the highest booking value each week. Winners will be announced on the Riviera Travel Agents Facebook page. www.rivieratravel.co.uk

● FIRST CLASS Holidays is offering agents the chance to win two flights to South Africa in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines. Agents earn points for every South Africa booking made, with the top-booking agent notified by w/c November 10th, 2023. www.fcholidays.com

● THE TOP bookers with If Only and its campaign partners by August 31st, 2023 have the chance to win two-night stays at the Rixos Premium Dubai, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites, and three-night stays at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi and JA Palm Tree Court. Select blackout dates apply to prize stays. www.ifonly.net

● PREMIER HOLIDAYS continues to offer £5 One4all vouchers with short-haul (Jersey, Guernsey, Alderney, Herm, Sark, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Isle of Wight, Shetland and Orkney) bookings, and up to £150 vouchers for long-haul (Faraway, Australia, South Africa, Beaches, New Zealand, Canada, America and Cruise) bookings dependent on value. www.premierholidays.co.uk www.temptationrewards.com

● AGENTS HAVE until September 25th to log bookings of five nights or more to Temptation Miches Resort for the chance to win a place on a VIP fam trip, taking place this December.